LARMANDIER-BERNIER

From a single, 0.7ha plot in Avize. The 2012 has a very rich nose with intense yellow peaches and citrus fruit, showing exceptional maturity and some exotic nuances. The palate is seductive and round with a very expressive feel and plenty of supple, smooth, pastry-like texture. Lemon-curd and pie-crust finish. Drink now. Rating: 95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Sept 2019)

LES CHEMINS D’AVIZE has arrived to complete the range of singular (single-parcel) Champagnes. This approach began back in 1988 with Vieille Vigne de Cramant, continued in 1995 with Terre de Vertus and in 1999 with le Rosé de Saignée. Pierre and Sophie had known for a long time that the terroir of Avize deserved a singular cuvée. It was in 2009, thanks to the acquisition of a small press, that these two parcels were separated. They are situated in the heart of the village of Avize on the parcels named “Chemin de Plivot and “Chemin de Flavigny”. It is from the soil here – very poor, with the chalk outcropping – that the 50-year-old vines derive delicate floral characteristics and a unique mineral density.The grapes are pressed gently, the juices are clarified very slightly and then go directly into wood. The natural alcoholic fermentation (indigenous yeasts) and the malolactic fermentation begin spontaneously in the Stockinger casks and vats. The wines are matured on the lees during their first year, with no filtering or fining being carried out. The bottles are taken down into the coolness of the cellars and stacked on lattes, the second fermentation takes place and the maturation continues slowly for at least 5 more years. Each bottle is disgorged by hand 6 months before being marketed. The dosage is only 2 g/l (extra brut).Winemaker's notes (Jul 2019)

The 2012 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Les Chemins d'Avize is another powerful, deep wine that needs time in the glass to be at its best. In fact, the 2012 was not really fully expressive until it had been opened for about 24 hours. There is an inherent depth to the 2012 that just needs time to emerge. With air, the 2012 is broad and expansive, with the layers of fruit intensity and tension that are such signatures of Pierre and Sophie Larmandier's very best wines. What a gorgeous Champagne this is. Dosage is 2 grams per liter. Disgorged: March 2018. Drinking range: 2020 - 2028 Rating: 94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Nov 2018)